Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Chamber of Commerce announcedTuesdaythe selection of Janette Bombardier as its 2015 Citizen of the Year. Bombardier’s contributions to Vermont will be celebrated at an awards dinner onThursday, October 29at The Essex Resort & Spa. Bombardier was selected by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce for the Citizen of the Year Award for her extensive community involvement and continual devotion to the betterment of Vermont.
A Colchester resident, Bombardier is currently the Senior Location Executive at GLOBALFOUNDRIES Fab 9 in Essex Junction, and has served on the Governor’s Council on Economic Advisors and Congressman Welch’s Business Advisory Board. She also serves on the Boards of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, Merchants Bank and the Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies as well as the Vermont Workforce Development Advisory Board.
Bombardier began working for IBM in 1980 after graduating from UVM with a MS in Civil Engineering. Three decades later she held the position of Senior Site Location Executive for IBM in charge of the Vermont and East Fishkill, NY IBM facilities – the first woman to hold this executive position.
In his nomination letter, Frank Cioffi, President of the Greater Burlington Industrial Corporation stated, “The leadership of Janette Bombardier while managing the Vermont operations for IBM and now for GLOBALFOUNDRIES has been a catalyst in making the Vermont operations a global leader in the industry and one that created and retained thousands of jobs and provided the economic wellbeing for thousands of Vermont families. Her role in creating and demonstrating the incredible value of the Vermont workforce, technology expertise, capabilities of our facilities and our history of proven achievements cannot be underestimated in the decision factors that have led to GLOBALFOUNDRIES confidence in our Vermont workforce and operations.”
David Bradbury, Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies President, also pointed to the leadership skills Janette showcased throughout the recent transition of the IBM Microelectronics Division to its new owner, GLOBALFOUNDRIES. “She was a pivotal leader in Vermont who created the business conditions, managed complex workforce, political and financial uncertainties and exemplified the necessary intelligence and dedication to the Vermont community to guide the successful transition.”
Martha Maksym, Executive Director of the United Way Chittenden County highlighted Janette’s leadership qualities in a supporting letter stating, “I have watched her speak eloquently about the importance of quality k-12 education to prepare our next generation of workforce. I have seen her advocate for the needs of businesses to grow and thrive in the state. And, I have watched Janette inspire her colleagues to give philanthropically to our community.”
TOP PHOTO: Janette Bombardier answers a question during a press conference on the day GlobalFoundries took over the Essex Junction plant from IBM on July 1, 2015. VBM photos
“Janette is a gifted leader, an inspiration for community engagement, and an exemplary representation of the finest ideals of Vermont citizenship,” said Betsy Bishop, president of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. “She represents the true ‘make it in Vermont’ spirit, showcasing the continued strength of our manufacturing economy, workforce opportunities, and advancement possibilities available here in Vermont.”
Recent recipients of the Citizen of the Year award include Stephen C. Terry, U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy, Antonio Pomerleau, Bill Stenger, and Governor James Douglas.
To register to attend the awards dinner honoring Janette Bombardier onThursday, October 29, visitwww.VTChamber.comor contact Ellen Dube, Director of Events,[email protected].